Then Mr Crosbie had come; and before the end of the first month his declared admiration for Lily had proved the correctness of her sister's foresight.

And during that short courtship all had gone well with the lovers.

The squire from the first had declared himself satisfied with the match, informing Mrs Dale, in his cold manner, that Mr Crosbie was a gentleman with an income sufficient for matrimony.
"It would be close enough in London," Mrs Dale had said.
"He has more than my brother had when he married," said the squire.
"If he will only make her as happy as your brother made me,--while it lasted!" said Mrs Dale, as she turned away her face to conceal a tear that was coming.

And then there was nothing more said about it between the squire and his sister-in-law.

The squire spoke no word as to assistance in money matters,--did not even suggest that he would lend a hand to the young people at starting, as an uncle in such a position might surely have done.